Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following an intelligence-led fighting patrol that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding forest. The operation was conducted at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison and 45 Battalion received credible intelligence about the convergence of terrorists in the area.
According to Captain Adebayo Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 18 Brigade, the troops launched a fighting patrol to the general area upon receiving the intelligence. On sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists fled in disarray into the surrounding forest in a bid to evade contact. The troops sustained the pursuit along the terrorists' escape routes, and during the exploitation of the area, they rescued 22 kidnapped victims and recovered three motorcycles and other sundry items abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
One of the rescued victims, identified as Alhaji Hassan, sustained injuries while in captivity and was promptly evacuated to a clinic, where he is currently responding to treatment. The remaining 21 victims were handed over to the leadership of the Muchiya community and have since been reunited with their families.
The Commander of the 18 Brigade commended the troops for their resilience, gallantry and doggedness, charging them to maintain the momentum and ensure continuous domination of the Area of Responsibility. He also reassured law-abiding citizens of Muchiya and adjoining communities of the brigade's unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, while urging them to continue providing timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements in the area.
The rescue comes amid continued attacks and abductions in parts of Niger State. President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to launch a coordinated operation to rescue victims of a mass abduction in Borgu Local Government Area on August 21, when terrorists abducted worshippers during Friday prayers at the Kpenya Mosque in Dekara District. Residents said more than 80 people might have been abducted, although the state government said the exact number had yet to be established. The military has also recorded repeated engagements with armed groups along the Borgu-Kainji corridor in recent months.
The rescue of the 22 victims is part of the Nigerian Army's sustained offensive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action within its Area of Responsibility. The troops are expected to continue operations in the area, tracking the fleeing terrorists and preventing further attacks and abductions. For the people of Muchiya and surrounding communities, the rescue offers a measure of relief, even as the broader security situation in Niger State remains fragile. The military has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing operations.
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